About Somerset Bus Partnership
Somerset Bus Partnership was established in April 2021 by bus passengers, councillors, transport campaigners, transport enthusiasts, bus user groups and individuals living in the Somerset Council area.
The organisation was initally formed in response to the Government’s Bus Strategy for England – BUS BACK BETTER which states bus passengers should have a voice in shaping the local bus network.
Somerset Bus Partnership is not aligned with any particular political party, we work with all political parties to improve bus services and bus infrastucture across Somerset.
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Our Aim
Is to provide a voice for people in Somerset and ensure their views so are heard on what need from bus services ... so that they can get to where they want to be … when they want to go… and the journey is reliable, comfortable and affordable. Key to the journey experience means easy access to information about their buses, improved bus stops and bus stations, integrate with other modes of transport and campaign for priority to be given to buses, especially in urban areas.
Our Purpose
Is to promote, increase and sustain buses and public transport, throughout the county of Somerset and to encourage modal shift from private cars to buses and to improve bus / rail integration.
We engage with Somerset County Council and neighbouring Local Transport Authorities, with District Councils and locally with Town and Parish Councils across all of Somerset. And, importantly, with the bus operators.
In Somerset, there are many important cross border bus routes hence we are already in active dialogues with partner groups in Wiltshire, West of England Combined Authority (Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset), Dorset and Devon
Ditcheat Parish residents showing support for their local bus service with South West Coaches in attendance.
Our Chairs
We currently have two Co Chairs: Tony Reese and Peter Travis.
Tony Reese is a bus user and enthusiast for all public transport. He is concerned about Climate Change and sees public transport as part of the solution. As he is getting on (he's already 75) he knows there will come a time when he can't continue to drive, and wants to make sure that there will be usable public transport when that time comes. He covers the South Somerset District Council area.
Peter Travis is a marketing and advertising consultant. Peter has campaigned for many years for improved buses in and around his home town of Frome. He is currently Chair of Somerset County Council's Bus User and Stakeholder Group. His favourite way to travel is upstairs at the front of a double decker! He covers the Mendip District Council area.
John Hassall covers the South West and Taunton area. He is also Director of Go-Op Train Co-operative. He used to be a Somerset West and Taunton District Councillor for Cotford St Luke & Oake.
Somerset Bus Partnership Management Team
Our Management Team takes care of the everyday running of Somerset Bus Partnership.
The Management Team consisting of the 4 co-chairs, representatives from Somerset's Bus User Groups, experts in the public transport field (including 3 ex-Public Transport Officers who have worked in the South West), ex- Senior Strategic Planner & Customer Experience Leader, an ex-parliamentary candidate, ex- District Councillor, and a Town Councillor. We meet twice monthly as a group via Zoom.
We are always keen to increase and strengthen our Management team. Would you like to get involved? If so, get in contact if you would like to join our Management Team.